MS in Physical Education

Students in APU’s M.S. in Physical Education program learn to teach phys ed classes, administrate athletics programs, and coach at all educational levels.

For more information: (626) 815-5473

The Master of Science in Physical Education equips candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to instruct physical education, administrate athletic programs, and coach at the K-12, junior college, and four-year university levels. The goal of this academic program is to develop candidates’ awareness of the process involved in effecting change in the lives of people they will serve. This is achieved through the mastery of professional skills and knowledge and the integration of teaching, coaching, and administrative techniques and strategies. This program is available at the main campus in Azusa and online.

Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Physical Education program at Azusa Pacific University comprises a Christian community of scholarly believers who seek to advance the work of God in schools of all levels by effectively training physical educators, coaches, athletic administrators, and exercise science professionals in knowledge and skills through academic excellence and a Christian perspective of truth and life.

Prerequisites

  • Twelve semester units of undergraduate coursework in education, or a baccalaureate degree or concentration in physical education.
  • For each year of verified, full-time teaching or coaching experience, 3 units of prerequisites may be waived.
  • Students pursuing a teaching credential should refer to the Division of Teacher Education prior to applying to the physical education program.

Requirements

Requirements for the Master of Science in Physical Education

Graduate physical education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, and may not earn lower than a 2.7 (B-) in any PE core or content course. Students who earn below a 2.7 (B-) in a PE core or content course must retake the course and achieve the minimum GPA requirement.

Core Courses
PE 551Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education3
PE 582Seminar in Professional Literature in Physical Education and Sport3
PE 585Capstone in Physical Education and Sport 13
Content Courses
PE 555Sociological and Ethical Issues in Sport3
PE 560Sports Medicine3
PE 565Athletics and the Law3
PE 570Leadership and Administration of Physical Education and Athletic Programs3
PE 575Advanced Principles of Physical Conditioning3
PE 578Sport Psychology3
PE 580Wellness and Fitness for Life3
Approved transfer units3-6
Total Units30
1

PE 585 is completed in the final terms of the program.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Physical Education with an Emphasis in Sport Management

Graduate physical education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, and may not earn lower than a 2.7 (B-) in any PE core or content course. If a student earns below a 2.7 (B-) in a PE core or content course must retake the course and achieve the minimum GPA requirement.

Core Courses
PE 551Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education3
PE 582Seminar in Professional Literature in Physical Education and Sport3
PE 585Capstone in Physical Education and Sport 13
Content Courses
PE 555Sociological and Ethical Issues in Sport3
PE 556Facility and Event Management3
PE 557AField Studies/Internships in Sport Management 22
PE 557BField Studies/Internships in Sport Management (Internship requires departmental approval) 21
PE 558Sport Finance3
PE 565Athletics and the Law3
PE 570Leadership and Administration of Physical Education and Athletic Programs3
PE 572Foundations of Sport Management3
Total Units30
1

PE 585 is completed in the final terms of the program.

2

PE 557A and PE 557B must be completed consecutively, after all other sport management content coursework is fulfilled. May be completed concurrently with PE 585.

Admission

University graduate admission and program-specific requirements must be met before an application is complete (see Admission to the University). Program-specific application requirements are available online.

International students should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions for application procedures.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. History and Philosophy of Physical Education: Synthesize the history and philosophy of Physical Education and how it interacts with the current discipline.
  2. Physical Education Fieldwork/Curriculum Assessment: Demonstrate proficiency in the development and evaluation of curriculum in Physical Education and Sport.
  3. Leadership and Administration in Physical Education and Sport: Apply the concepts of administration, organization, programming, evaluation, and leadership in Physical Education, Athletic Administration, and Sport management.
  4. Psychology, Sociology, and Ethics in Physical Education, Administration, and Sport: Apply psychology, sociology, and ethical theories and practices in Physical Education, Athletic Administration, and Sport management.
  5. Research and Writing: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze research, develop a research proposal, and write according to APA standards.
  6. Integration of Faith: Integrate Christian values and biblical perspectives in Physical Education and Sport.